Think Im going to take the plunge. Anyone from Indianapolis?

[jpasiczn]

Hey everyone. New to post here, but been reading for quite some time. I'll start with my immediate question, then give some backround to my story. Is there anyone here from the Indianapolis, IN area?

Now, the story behind that question. I am interested in getting a series truck, IIA or early III SWB. I have done a lot of homework already, and I think Ive made my mind up. Got wife approval, started putting feelers out for my current vehicle to help finance the purchase (2002 Saab 95 Aero manual 5 speed, any takers? ). Only thing left to do, is to actually get in a series and go for a ride. I need to make sure I can at least fit in the thing. I'm a taller guy, 6'3 230ish, but have pretty long legs.

This will be my daily driver, but its only a 5 mile drive to the hospital I'm at for my residency. I plan on being about that distance from my practice next year. I know, it will be a huge change of pace from a modern sports saloon to a 40+ year old truck. But I'm at the point in my life (27, married, no kids, about to own my own dental practice) where I'd love to have a fun vehicle. I love working on mechanical things, and the lack of electronics on these trucks fits me just fine.

I love the idea of something from an older time, this truck makes you remember a time when things werent going a million miles an hour all day long. The thoughts these Series trucks evoke sometimes makes me wish I grew up in a different time.

Anyhow, off my stupid soapbox. I'd love to meet up with someone from Indianapolis area, sit in the truck, go for a ride with you, get a feel for the thing. I'd like to do this before I pull the trigger, but I'm having a tough time holding back with some of the rigs I see available right now.

The search and education of all things Series has been fun, and I think as the search gets more and more close to the end, the excitement will only get greater.

Thanks to anyone that has any input to a new, hopeful, soon to be, first time Series owner.

[amcordo]

I was in the same boat as you in July 2009. I ended up flying out to Maryland to purchase my rover and drive it all the way back to Columbus. It was the first time I had ever been in one - quite the gamble in terms of whether or not I'd like it. What a fantastic car though!

I got it for use as my daily driver, though I live close enough to my work that I walk every day and only have to drive across the city once or twice a week. Your first year or two of owning it will have a steep, but relatively easy, learning curve as to how to keep it running and replace the various things that no doubt need replacement. With that in mind, unless you're well versed in them you'll probably want a backup vehicle at least for the first little while so that you're not stuck trying to figure out how to keep it running deep in winter if it dies on you.

[Rineheitzgabot]

I'm in Fort Wayne. If you want to drive up, I would entertain the notion...

-Gary

[jpasiczn]

Gary if I can't find anyone nearer, I may take you up on that. Thanks for speaking up, I appreciate it.
I'll let you know if I need to make the trip.

John

[SGS714]

I'm 120mi east in Decatur, Il...but I noticed there is a Series III on eBay and it is in Indy...A 109 Wagon LHD, but I'm fairly sure the drivers position is the same.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1979-LAND-ROVER-Total-Overhaul-and-New-Frame-/120613131060?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item1c151a5334

[73series88]

hey
i got my series 3 88 from a guy that had it sitting out behind a welding shop for 20 years wide open. no top or motor last august. got it on the road in feb and have been driving it daily since. once you get everything worked out and on a steady routine, its fine. i have a 14 mile drive to work 4 5 nights a week and its been great. i would keep a backup vehicle until everythings worked out. have fun
aaron

[crankin]

Youa re certianly going about it the right way. I would drive one before I bought one. I know that you mentioned a SWB...but with some mods you can get more leg room with a LWB....something to think about.

I'm about 7 hours from you (Huntsville, AL), if you want to come down here, you are more than welcome to drive my truck around all day if you want.

[Monkeyboy]

Hey John,

I've got stubby legs and can still tell there's more leg room in my 3-door 109 than in my buddy's 88.

Gary ( and PT ) in Ft Wayne should have several for you to look at / sit in.

Good Luck!

KAA

[Tim Smith]

I once had a fast and luxurious and modern ride. Once the warrantee ran out though, that wonderful car turned into a wheely cart of epic expenses. I had enough of the rat race and gave up. That was when I picked up my rover.

In a rover the ride is rough. As for the comfort, it's rough. As for the enjoyment I get when I do drive it, it's the best.

I meet all sorts of folks just on a fill up. Friends recognize me and wave. People who don't recognize me will wave. Little kids seem elated beyond control and they wave too.

[crankin]

I once had a fast and luxurious and modern ride. Once the warrantee ran out though, that wonderful car turned into a wheely cart of epic expenses. I had enough of the rat race and gave up. That was when I picked up my rover.

In a rover the ride is rough. As for the comfort, it's rough. As for the enjoyment I get when I do drive it, it's the best.

I meet all sorts of folks just on a fill up. Friends recognize me and wave. People who don't recognize me will wave. Little kids seem elated beyond control and they wave too.

And mid-20s women, in a hurry to get to the hair appointment, try to pass you and flip you the finger as they pass...

[amcordo]

Must just be you Clint. They flirt with me when they pass.

And mid-20s women, in a hurry to get to the hair appointment, try to pass you and flip you the finger as they pass...

[crankin]

There is something magical about you 109. You're going to mess it all up with the hoopla you're doing to it.

[jpasiczn]

I've been thinking a lot about 88 vs 109 and I just love the open air ability of the 88s. I think that's part of the fun, all the different configurations you can have with one vehicle

keeping my eyes peeled for a good looking ride. If anyone sees or hears of somehing good outside the usual channels( eBay autotrader) like local caigslists, let me know

love hearing about everyone elses rides. Makes me excited for mine

John

[stonefox]

I've been thinking a lot about 88 vs 109 and I just love the open air ability of the 88s. I think that's part of the fun, all the different configurations you can have with one vehicle

keeping my eyes peeled for a good looking ride. If anyone sees or hears of somehing good outside the usual channels( eBay autotrader) like local caigslists, let me know

love hearing about everyone elses rides. Makes me excited for mine

John

John a purchase like this will change you forever, are you ready for this?
Some men have stayed up till all hours talking with other addicts on sites similar to this (not me) .Others have mortagaged their homes for parts(not me) and others have had their wives leave them in fits of dispair(ok maybe that was me).If this is the life you want than welcome my friend you are in good company.

[jpasiczn]

John a purchase like this will change you forever, are you ready for this?
Some men have stayed up till all hours talking with other addicts on sites similar to this (not me) .Others have mortagaged their homes for parts(not me) and others have had their wives leave them in fits of dispair(ok maybe that was me).If this is the life you want than welcome my friend you are in good company.

Luckily Im blessed with a wife that understands my obsessions. She'd much rather have me out in the garage under a truck than any number of other things some men choose to do (booze, womanize, gamble)

Once I find the right truck, I'll be living the life